Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa has effectively confirmed a new Ranger Thunder double-cab derivative will soon be added to its local range.
The Blue Oval brand’s local arm posted a teaser on its social media channels (as well as a “keep me informed” page on its website), previewing the new Wildtrak-based Thunder variant.
The new Ford Ranger Thunder is on its way. Be the first to know more: https://t.co/BzOB8awMhkpic.twitter.com/zyZWSDw9u7
— Ford South Africa (@FordSouthAfrica) July 14, 2020
Of course, we’ve already had a good look at this special-edition version of the bakkie, which was released in select European markets in May 2020. We suspect the local model will be virtually identical seeing as Europe sources its Ranger from Ford’s Silverton facility here in South Africa.
As a reminder, the fresh-faced Thunder-badged model comes finished in Sea Grey exterior paint with red highlights on the grille and sports bar. You’ll also notice the chunky “Thunder” badging on the front doors and tailgate.
Other updates include the adoption of black 18-inch alloy wheels, with the grille, rear bumper, skid plates, foglamp surrounds and exterior door handles also finished in black.
LED headlamps featuring darkened bezels furthermore ship standard, while the bakkie’s taillmaps have been darkened, too. In Europe, the Ranger Thunder is offered with an optional (black) Mountain Top powder-coated roller shutter complete with a load-bay divider.
Inside, there’s plenty of leather along with “Thunder” badges embroidered in red, a colour extended to stitching on the steering wheel, seats and instrument panel. The sill plates, meanwhile, feature red illumination.
Under the bonnet, the Euro-spec Ranger Thunder employs the Blue Oval brand’s now-familiar twin-turbodiesel 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine, providing 157 kW and 500 N.m to all four corners via a ten-speed automatic transmission. From what we understand, the Thunder will be offered in both 4×2 and 4×4 guise here in South Africa.
